International Suicide Prevention Day, marked last week on September 10, is a reminder that silence can be just as dangerous as pain. This year, the global voice was heard from Jerusalem’s theater, where “Just Smile” association, together with the Jerusalem Municipality, hosted a unique event. Hundreds of teenagers, professionals, and artists came together to break the wall of stigma and turn a painful subject into a conversation of hope.
International Suicide Prevention Day in Jerusalem
“Just Smile,” founded by young Jerusalem residents who experienced personal loss, has become a powerful social initiative against silence. The organization subsidizes mental health treatments and promotes open discussion on psychological struggles. The event at the Jerusalem Theater was designed to mark International Suicide Prevention Day, giving young people a space to listen, share, and speak openly.
Mental health and municipal support
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: “I am proud and moved to see Maor Wolf and Beni Shapirer, two Jerusalem teenagers who turned deep personal pain into a life-saving initiative. Out of heartbreak they founded ‘Just Smile,’ raising awareness for suicide prevention and subsidizing treatments for those in distress. This week I joined hundreds of people at their moving event in the Jerusalem Theater – an evening of hope, courage, and giving. It is a testimony to human strength and to the power of young people leading real change for society as a whole.”
Maor Wolf, one of the founders, added: “For me, the evening achieved its purpose – hundreds of teenagers filled the hall, enjoyed an excellent performance by Raviv Kaner, and most importantly were exposed to life-saving content. Suicide is a phenomenon that affects many, yet is often repressed. We wanted to open the discussion, to speak out loud, and to create a supportive space that will also reach young people. I thank the Mayor of Jerusalem and the municipality for the support, the guidance, and the embrace that allow us to increase awareness of this painful subject.”
(Dramatic rescue near Jerusalem: man alone in nature)
Youth taking a stand against suicide
The evening also included a musical performance and professional guidance. Singer Raviv Kaner performed for the packed audience, while psychologist Dr. Maya Yehon Barak explained how to identify signs of mental distress and how to respond at critical moments. From here, the way is clear – teenagers themselves can be part of the support circle and even save lives.
Hope from Jerusalem to the world
International Suicide Prevention Day is observed across the globe, but the event in Jerusalem demonstrated how a local initiative can become a universal symbol. At the same time, it highlighted the need for continued efforts to expand awareness and create new tools. In the end, the voice that rose from the Jerusalem Theater sends a powerful reminder: hope can grow even from pain.
